Bugg speaks out on Instagram post

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 18: Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs and Tomas Bugg of the Demons compete for the ball during the 2017 AFL round 13 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium on June 18, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Melbourne forward Tom Bugg has addressed his now famous Instagram post that was uploaded to social media in the hours before the Demons’ clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.

Bugg took a selfie with teammate Jack Watts before the match, and tagged Bulldogs dynamo Jason Johannisen, with the text reading “You ready @jasonjohannisen?”

Source: @tommybugg Instagram

Bugg spoke to 3AW on Sunday following the 57-point win over the Bulldogs, and said he didn’t mean anything with the photo, and said the trio are all good friends.

“It was a little playful Instagram. I didn’t mean too much by it,” Bugg said.

“I know Jason, so it was just a bit of playful (banter) before the game.

“I didn’t look too far into it. They’re a great side so we knew they were going to come at us no matter what. I didn’t read too much into it.”

Despite not thinking much would come of it, the Bulldogs were certainly aware of the post, with captain Easton Wood heading straight for Bugg at the opening bounce, which set the tone for a fiery afternoon.

Johannisen only collected 15 disposals for the match and was kept quiet by Demon Jake Melksham.

Bugg added his social media work didn’t have an impact on the game in any way, and said his side are focused on continuing to play good football.